Scarsdale Ballet Studio

The Scarsdale Ballet Studio is recognized as Westchester’s premier destination for classical and contemporary ballet training. Our balanced, creative, and disciplined approach focuses on shaping each student into a healthy, technically accomplished, well-rounded dancer, regardless of his or her aspirations.

The Scarsdale Ballet Studio was established in 1992 by Christian Claessens and Diana White. As lifelong professional dancers and teachers, it was their goal to offer Westchester residents classical ballet training of the highest quality. Their syllabus combines elements of the European, American and Russian schools and is taught by instructors with distinguished credentials.

Class Offerings:

First Division:

Creative Ballet is an age-appropriate introduction to classical dance using rhythmic games, simple steps and positions, imagery, props, and improvisation. The gently structured curriculum is based on the innovative “Leap ’N Learn™” syllabus which was developed by a former dancer in collaboration with a child psychologist.

Second Division classes are meant to inspire a love of ballet in a traditionally structured, yet nurturing environment. Ballet is still considered to be the foundation of most dance styles and is strongly recommended for gymnasts, skaters, and competitive dancers. Classes include barre-work, basic vocabulary and positions, and simple combinations of steps in the center. Correct alignment, port de bras, turn-out, and footwork are taught as goals to reach for. We encourage all our dancers in Level A and B to take at least two classes per week. Though we understand that this is not possible for everyone, those who do will progress more quickly.

Dress code, Girls: black leotard, pink tights and slippers, long hair in a neat bun, short hair in a headband away from the face. No legwarmers, t-shirts or sweatshirts. Character shoes and character skirt if appropriate. Boys:White t-shirt, socks, and shoes, black tights or shorts.

Third Division

In Levels C through E, dancers continue to work on the fundamentals of classical Ballet Technique while learning steps and combinations of increasing difficulty. Character, Pointe, Variations, Partnering, Contemporary Styles, and Stretch and Tone are part of the curriculum. To be eligible for Pointe, Level C dancers must be at least 10 years old and taking at least 2 technique classes per week. Elements of Balanchine Style® and excerpts of his ballets are introduced to advanced dancers. Our Conservatory Program is designed for dancers 10 and up who wish to make the study of ballet their primary after-school activity.

Conservatory I dancers are required to take a minimum of 3 ballet technique classes per week. Conservatory II must take at least 4 ballet technique classes.

Level D offers Intermediate Ballet classes for dancers, aged 12 and up, who have had previous training. There is no minimum weekly class requirement, but 2-3 technique classes are strongly recommended. Two technique classes per week are required to be eligible for pointe class.

Conservatory I and II dancers must attend the required minimum of ballet technique classes per week at SBS, unless special permission has been obtained from the Artistic Director. The faculty of SBS will not accept new private students who are not full-time SBS students.

Level E is a very challenging course for dancers, aged 14 and up, who have had at least four years of training at SBS or the equivalent. There is no weekly class requirement; however, most Level E dancers take class on a daily basis. New students must be evaluated by a faculty member before being admitted to this level.

CAMPS-SPECIALTY
This summer, there is a program for all ages and levels. The studio is offering a full-day program for dancers ages 8-12 focusing on classical ballet technique with additional classes in pre-pointe, pointe, variations, character dance, body conditioning, choreography, and theater dance. June 29–July 10 for ages 8-9; July 13–31 for ages 10-12. The afternoon mini-camp is for ages 3-6 from July 6-24. Ages 6-7 will also receive a Level A class to enhance their ballet training. Brand new August Intensive for advanced dancers ages 13 and older. Three-week or single-week sessions Aug. 10–28. Summer calendar runs June 29– Aug. 28.

About Us

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